Stoner Jesus seems to be most interested in your mom, at least that's what they claim on the info-page of their facebook profile. They also mention to be influenced by the likes of Tool, Mastodon, Alice In Chains and Nirvana. Yet, what we hear on 'The Harvest' is a wide approach toward stoner rock. In fact, it could also be an overview for any Desertfest or Roadburn Festival.
The album opens with 'Here Come The Robots' a brilliant stoner-grunge-rocker which will get any party started. At this moment I imagine a highly energetic live performance in front of a frenzied crowd. 'Wound' is a bit slower but still incorporates this combination of stoner rock and nineties rock, making it another great piece of music. At this point, bands like Truckfighters, Pearl Jam, Alice In Chains and Foo Fighters come to mind.
However, I mentioned an overview of Desertfest genres, didn't I? Well, 'Rituals Of The Sun' suddenly turns this trio into a vintage psychedelic hard rock band, somewhere inbetween Black Sabbath and Candlemass. This seven minutes lasting epos shows a serious band that knows a thing or two about classic doom metal, worshipping the mighty power of the riff. 'YFS' shows some more nineties rock with some funk elements thrown into it. In some bizarre way, this song reminds me of Spin Doctors but without everything that sucked about that band.
'Black Church' is the longest track, no less than fourteen minutes long. It opens with a number of soundscapes and some minor percussion and evolves towards something that reminds me of ritual dark or drone ambient, like Nadja or Fearfallsburning. A few minutes later it starts evolving again, gets heavier and doomier (if that's word, from now on it is). It also issues an repetitive, industrial element, reming me even of Nine Inch Nails or Godflesh. However, for the main part, this is a massive piece of doom metal which is effin' amazing.
By now, I truly am convinced of Stoned Jesus' abilities and I'm becoming a big fan. 'Silkworm Confessions' closes the album in style by rocking hard and fuzzy. I admit, I had my doubts in the beginning, I saw this trio as just another stoner rock band which focuses more on silly humor and loads of fun than on their songwriting skills. However, after listening to this immensly varied rock album, I can only recommend it to ever rock fan out there. If you listen to anything in between Led Zeppelin, Rage Against The Machine, Electric Wizard, Metallica, Katatonia or Swans, this really is your cup of tea...
Serge